Epilepsy, unsp, intractable, without status epilepticus

This code signifies a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, where the specific type of epilepsy is not documented. The seizures are difficult to control with medication (intractable), and the patient is not currently experiencing a continuous seizure or series of seizures without recovery of consciousness (status epilepticus).

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of epilepsy without further specification of the seizure type or etiology, and the condition is explicitly stated as intractable or drug-resistant. This code is appropriate when the patient is not in status epilepticus at the time of encounter.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "intractable" or "drug-resistant" for the epilepsy.
• Do not use if the type of epilepsy (e.g., focal, generalized) is specified; use a more specific G40 subcategory.
• Verify the absence of status epilepticus; if present, a different code from the G40.91- series would be appropriate.